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Federal agents conducted random stops in Wicker Park and West Town on Friday, detaining at least two individuals. These actions appeared inconsistent with the stated goals of Operation Midway Blitz, aimed at targeting serious criminal undocumented immigrants. Witnesses expressed confusion and frustration over the agents' methods.
Pastor Marshall Hatch Jr. of the New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in West Garfield Park was named to Time Magazine’s Time100 Next list for his social justice advocacy. He leads the MAAFA Redemption Project, which supports Black and Brown youth through education and community building initiatives. Hatch emphasizes his commitment to community empowerment, stating, “We’ve been the boots on the ground.”
Transit leaders urged Illinois lawmakers to address a $202 million funding shortfall threatening the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace. Without action, significant service cuts and layoffs could occur as soon as next summer, impacting thousands of workers and commuters.
Federal immigration agents detained individuals in Chicago, causing unrest in residential areas. Block Club reporters documented the situation, including the use of tear gas. The events have raised concerns about local immigration enforcement practices.
A top Homeland Security official criticized a Chicago Tribune reporter for allegedly compromising federal operations by sharing the location of ICE agents. The rebuke sparked backlash from journalists and press freedom advocates, highlighting tensions between the Trump administration and the media covering immigration enforcement. Pratt defended his reporting, stating, “Journalism is not a crime.”
Residents of a South Shore apartment building made over 3,000 distress calls to city services before a federal immigration raid on September 30, 2025. The building faced numerous complaints about deteriorating living conditions, including drug activity and structural issues. Following the raid, city officials have sought to clear the building due to its unsafe conditions.
Chicago-area companies have received millions in federal contracts linked to Operation Midway Blitz, which focuses on immigration enforcement. Notably, Reliance Relocation Services and United Tactical Systems have benefited significantly, with contracts totaling over $8 million for relocating ICE agents and supplying tactical equipment. Local leaders have criticized these operations and called for boycotts against companies profiting from them.
Corn Productions, which operates The Cornservatory Theater in North Center, seeks to raise $10,000 by November 1 to avoid closure after 25 years of operation. The nonprofit faces financial struggles due to a decline in ticket sales and the inability to secure grants, prompting a fundraiser that has already garnered nearly $8,300.
Immigration agents clashed with protesters in Little Village for the second consecutive day, detaining multiple individuals, including two students from Benito Juarez High School. Community leaders condemned the actions of federal agents, who deployed tear gas and pepper spray during the confrontation, causing injuries among protesters. Local officials are mobilizing support for affected families as tensions rise in the neighborhood.
Chicago faced its coldest temperatures since May, with a frost advisory issued for overnight lows as low as 27 degrees. Meteorologist David King noted that Thursday's high of 52 degrees marked a significant drop from early October's near 90-degree weather. Slight warming is expected for Friday, but frost risks remain in the evening.